If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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Go to the source! Discover what the Bible says about …
These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
Introduction
Worship is the overflow of a heart focused on God. (More on this). Worship is usually expressed as singing songs of praise and worship to God. The examples of worship in the form of singing in the Bible are numerous. We have the privilege of worshiping God and joining others in a community of worship.
Bible Zone
- Overflow of heart - Worship is the overflow of what God is doing in our hearts.
- Worship in heaven - A snapshot of worship in heaven.
- Worship in Psalms - Someone who has met God shares their heart of worship.
Jesus gave some teaching which helps understand what worship is Luke 6:43-45
- How are words and heart linked?
- In worship through our words in singing, or speech how can the heart be seen?
- What happens when the words and heart don’t match?
Luke 6: 43 "A good tree can't produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can't produce good fruit.44 A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes.45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.
John was given a vision of heaven, it is recorded in the book of Revelation. Here is an excerpt that records some of the worship of heaven. Revelation 5:6-12
- What response is given to Jesus, the lamb of God?
- What is the focus of the songs that are sung?
- Who sings the songs?
- How do you respond to what God has done in your life?
Revelation 5: 6 Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit* of God that is sent out into every part of the earth.7 He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne.8 And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God's people.9 And they sang a new song with these words:
"You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God.
And they will reign* on the earth."
11 Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders.12 And they sang in a mighty chorus:
"Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered- to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing."
Here is the start of Psalm 33:1-5 just to illustrate some of the worship that is seen in the Old Testament. The Psalms cover a rich variety of experience from joyful to distressing. You could use them as a prompt for your own worship.
- How does the Psalmist recommend worshiping?
- Who does the Psalmist call on to worship?
- By what means does the Psalmist call to worship?
Psalm 33
1 Let the godly sing for joy to the LORD; it is fitting for the pure to praise him.
2 Praise the LORD with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp.
3 Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.
4 For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does.
5 He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth.
WORSHIP - sing in community
